Pupils in Stockton are scoring 100pc attendance records thanks to a successful scheme.

Schools Tackling Absence and Rewarding Success has helped pupil attendance rates in Thornaby and Stockton to reach their highest levels in three years.

The project has two strands, to encourage pupils to regularly go to school and reward those pupils who have a high attendance record through the 100% Club.

This month, 120 primary school children from Thornaby were given the chance to record a song called 100% with North-east band The Happy Cats and perform it in front of parents at the Arc as a reward for their attendance.

Elaine Kerr, Helen Surtees and Andrea Tiltman and manager Trevor Watson are the team behind STARS, which works with 19 primary schools and five secondary schools.

The project was set up in Thornaby after it was noted a number of pupils, particularly in primary schools, had an attendance of between 80pc and 95pc.

Average attendance in Thornaby primary schools has risen from 93.5pc in 2001 to 95pc in 2004.

Elaine said: "There are two branches to it. We work in all schools doing classroom work about the benefits of education and how attendance can link to future jobs.

"With the five-years-olds, we are teaching them the importance of coming to school.

"Parents sometimes keep them off to take them shopping, because it is easier, but at that age it's about good habits so they say to their parents they want to be in school."

Helen added: "Each term every child gets a stamp card and if they attend school 100pc for the week they get a stamp. They can save up the stamps and exchange them for prizes."

The project is supported by sponsors including Asda, Hollywood Bowl, LA Limousines, Middlesbrough Football Club, McDonalds, TFM and Matalan. Children can win prizes including parties at Hollywood Bowl, a trip to the TFM studios, photo shoots with Boro players and the chance to be a matchday mascot.